The New York Knicks finally catch a break: OG Anunoby was cleared for contact drills

The New York Knicks received the heartbreaking news today that their two-time All-Star, Julius Randle, will undergo shoulder repairing surgery and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. However, another crucial member of the squad could be returning soon. OG Anunoby was cleared for contact and there's a cautious optimism around his possible return.

The news was confirmed by Tom Thibodeau himself. The Knicks' head coach answered some questions on a press conference prior to New York's game where they will be facing the Sacramento Kings, at the Madison Square Garden.

Anunoby has been dealing with a nagging elbow injury since his days in Toronto. He arrived to the Knicks in Januray and immediatly adapted to Tom Thibodeau style of play, making a huge impact in every aspect of the game. Unfortunately he had to undergo repairing surgery and missed several games. He was able to make a return but it lasted only three games. Since then he's been sidelined again due to that cursed elbow.

"OG is doing well so, he's getting closer. So, we're optimistic, cautiosly optimistic," said the Knicks head coach.

The recently acquired small forward has been seeing some 5-to-5 action in practice, this means that perhaps his return could be happening sooner rather than later.

In 44 games played in the current 2023-24 NBA Season, Anunoby averages 14.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists, shooting nearly 50% from the field and 37% from three-point territory. Getting back OG means a lot for a Knicks squad that when it comes to health issues, just couldn't catch a break.